The Spire of Hope, Belfast
A soaring 40-metre steel beacon of hope atop Belfast’s historic St Anne’s Cathedral, shining brightly across the city skyline.
The Spire of Hope is a striking 40-metre stainless steel sculpture integrated into the roof of St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Installed in 2007, it soars above the city skyline and is illuminated at night, symbolizing hope and faith. Visitors can view the spire from inside the cathedral through a glass platform above the choir stalls, making it a unique architectural and spiritual landmark.
A brief summary to The Spire Of Hope, Belfast
- Belfast, BT1 9FD, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit inside St Anne’s Cathedral to see the spire through the glass platform above the choir stalls for a unique perspective.
- Come at night to witness the spire illuminated, creating a striking light beacon visible across Belfast.
- Explore the Cathedral Quarter around the spire, known for its vibrant arts scene and historic charm.
- Check for special services or concerts at the cathedral to experience the space’s spiritual and cultural atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Take Metro buses serving Belfast city centre, stopping near Donegall Street in the Cathedral Quarter. Journey times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on starting point. Buses run frequently during the day with fares typically around £2–£3.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Belfast city centre and offer a direct route to St Anne’s Cathedral. Typical travel time from central locations is 5 to 15 minutes. Expect fares from £5 to £10 depending on distance and traffic.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Belfast city centre, walking to the Cathedral Quarter is pleasant and accessible. Allow 10 to 20 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The area is pedestrian-friendly with clear signage.
The Spire Of Hope, Belfast location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Spire Of Hope, Belfast
A Modern Symbol Rising Above Belfast
The Spire of Hope is a 40-metre tall stainless steel sculpture that dramatically punctuates the skyline of Belfast. Installed in April 2007 atop St Anne’s Cathedral, it represents a modern architectural addition to a historic religious site. Unlike traditional stone spires, this lightweight steel structure was designed to overcome the cathedral’s soft foundations, which could not support the weight of a conventional spire. The spire’s slender, needle-like form extends skyward, illuminated at night to create a beacon of light visible across the city.Architectural Innovation and Design Origins
The spire was the result of a 2004 competition held to celebrate the centenary of St Anne’s Cathedral’s consecration. Open to architects under 40 from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the winning design by Belfast-based Box Architects—Robert Jamison and Colin Conn—envisioned a stainless steel spire that would pierce the cathedral’s roof without adding excessive weight. Crafted in Switzerland, the spire was carefully installed to integrate with the cathedral’s existing Romanesque architecture, creating a striking contrast between old and new.Integration with St Anne’s Cathedral
The Spire of Hope is not only an external landmark but also an internal feature of the cathedral. It protrudes through a glass platform in the cathedral’s roof directly above the choir stalls, allowing visitors inside to gaze upward through the spire towards the sky. This design element invites reflection and awe, blending spiritual symbolism with architectural ingenuity. The cathedral itself, with its Romanesque style, stained glass windows, intricate mosaics, and carved stonework, provides a rich historical backdrop to the contemporary spire.Community and Cultural Significance
Dedicated in an ecumenical service in 2007, the Spire of Hope serves as a symbol of unity and faith for Belfast’s diverse Christian community. It was named to reflect optimism and renewal amid the city’s ongoing redevelopment, particularly in the Cathedral Quarter. While some locals have affectionately nicknamed it “The Dean’s Toothpick” or “The Rod to God,” the spire remains a powerful visual and spiritual icon. It also contributes to the city’s cultural landscape, complementing the vibrant arts and events scene in the surrounding area.Visitor Experience and Nighttime Illumination
Visitors to St Anne’s Cathedral can experience the spire both from afar and up close inside the building. The glass roof section allows a unique perspective of the spire’s interior structure, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere of the choir stalls. At night, the spire is illuminated with powerful floodlights, transforming it into a glowing beacon that appears to shoot a beam of light into the sky. This nighttime spectacle adds to Belfast’s skyline and underscores the spire’s role as a symbol of hope and inspiration.Legacy and Recognition
Though the Spire of Hope was nominated for architectural awards, its true legacy lies in its symbolic and cultural impact on Belfast. It represents a successful blend of modern design with historic architecture, overcoming engineering challenges posed by the cathedral’s foundations. As a landmark, it continues to inspire visitors and locals alike, standing as a testament to Belfast’s resilience and creative spirit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
2-6 Waring St
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Albert Memorial Clock
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Numbers' Wall
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Castle Buildings
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Beacon of Hope
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Treasure Trails
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Explore Belfast like never before with Treasure Trails, an interactive treasure hunt that uncovers the city's hidden gems and rich history.
Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
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A 1960s road bridge over the River Lagan, connecting central Belfast with the Titanic Quarter and offering quiet riverside views from its pedestrian walkways.
Belfastlad Tours
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Explore Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture with personalized tours led by passionate locals at Belfastlad Tours.
The Back Of Boots
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Discover the serene ambiance of The Back Of Boots in Belfast, a pilgrimage site steeped in history and spiritual significance.
Belfast Free Walking Tour
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Discover the heart of Belfast with a free walking tour that unveils the city's history, culture, and hidden gems through the eyes of local guides.
If Buildings Could Talk - Belfast Walking Tour
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Belfast’s grand civic heart, where Edwardian architecture meets city history in Donegall Square’s green heart.
Giant's Causeway Experiences
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Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich mythology of Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, through guided tours and immersive experiences.
DC Tours - Belfast Walking Tours
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Explore Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture with DC Tours, your premier walking tour agency for unforgettable sightseeing experiences.
Donegall Square N & Donegall Square W
0.7 km
Belfast's grand civic square, where Victorian architecture frames the city's industrial heritage and maritime history.
Mary Ann McCracken statue
0.7 km
Bronze monument to an abolitionist, feminist pioneer, and social reformer who stood for justice across three centuries.
Unmissable attractions to see
Belfast Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Anne
0.0 km
Discover Belfast Cathedral’s Romanesque beauty, historic mosaics, and the soaring Spire of Hope in the heart of the city’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter.
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
0.1 km
Explore Northern Ireland’s WWII history through immersive exhibits, family activities, and heartfelt remembrance in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
The MAC
0.1 km
Belfast's vibrant contemporary arts centre blending theatre, galleries, and café culture in a welcoming modern space.
Trade union mural
0.1 km
A vibrant mural in Belfast celebrating the city’s proud labor history and the enduring spirit of trade union solidarity.
Harp Bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Harp Bar, Belfast's favorite pub for craft beers, live music, and authentic Irish hospitality.
Duke of York
0.1 km
Experience the heart of Belfast's pub culture at Duke of York, a vibrant spot with rich history, local brews, and a warm atmosphere.
Commercial Court
0.1 km
Discover Belfast’s historic Commercial Court, a vibrant cobbled alley alive with colourful murals, lively pubs, and rich mercantile heritage.
Creative Tours Belfast
0.1 km
Explore Belfast’s vibrant music scene on foot with expert guides, historic venues, and live performances in the UNESCO City of Music.
Cathedral Quarter Belfast
0.2 km
Belfast's creative heartland where Victorian grandeur meets contemporary street art and vibrant cultural expression.
The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
0.2 km
Historic Belfast pub with lively Irish music downstairs and Yardbird’s famed rotisserie chicken upstairs in a rustic, vibrant setting.
Belfast Central Library
0.2 km
Discover Belfast’s Victorian architectural gem and cultural heart, where history, heritage, and community converge in a stunning public library.
Mural
0.2 km
Discover Belfast’s vibrant mural at 1 Church St, a vivid testament to the city’s history, culture, and dynamic street art tradition.
Cathedral Quarter Moural
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Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter blends historic charm with vibrant street art, world-class culture, and lively nightlife in a uniquely creative urban district.
The Cloth Ear
0.2 km
A cosy, unpretentious hotel pub inside The Merchant Hotel, offering classic pub dishes, local beers and a snug atmosphere in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
CastleCourt Shopping Centre
0.3 km
Belfast’s vibrant shopping centre with over 80 stores, family-friendly facilities, and easy-access parking in the city centre.
Essential places to dine
Mumbai 27
0.1 km
Experience authentic Indian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter at Mumbai 27.
Dumpling Library
0.1 km
Experience a vibrant Pan-Asian feast in Belfast’s unique Dumpling Library, where exquisite dumplings meet creative cocktails in intimate dining pods.
Buba
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Bold Eastern Mediterranean small plates, flame-grilled meats and creative cocktails in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Coppi Restaurant
0.1 km
Modern Venetian-inspired Italian dining in Belfast’s Saint Anne's Square with vibrant cicchetti, fresh ingredients, and a lively atmosphere.
Academy Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience the best of Modern European cuisine at Academy Restaurant in Belfast, where local ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Waterman Restaurant
0.2 km
Discover Waterman Restaurant, Belfast’s Michelin-recognized spot for seasonal European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting with local charm.
The Muddlers Club Restaurant
0.2 km
Michelin-starred modern European dining in Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter, blending local flavors with a stylish industrial atmosphere.
The Thirsty Goat Belfast
0.2 km
Discover Belfast's vibrant culinary scene at The Thirsty Goat, where delicious grilled dishes meet an extensive beverage selection.
Six By Nico Belfast
0.2 km
Discover Belfast’s vibrant Six By Nico, where inventive six-course tasting menus transform culinary themes into unforgettable dining adventures.
The Northern Whig
0.3 km
Experience the best of Belfast dining at The Northern Whig, where traditional flavors meet modern culinary art in an inviting atmosphere.
The Great Room Restaurant, Belfast
0.3 km
Experience Belfast’s finest Victorian dining beneath Ireland’s largest chandelier with exquisite local cuisine and impeccable service.
Taylor & Clay
0.4 km
Award-winning Belfast steakhouse with a bespoke wood-fired Asador grill, serving premium local meats and seasonal dishes in a vibrant city-centre setting.
Bank Square Brasserie
0.4 km
French bistro elegance meets Northern Irish ingredients in Belfast's most welcoming modern European brasserie.
Bootleggers
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Step into Belfast’s Bootleggers for bold American flavors, original cocktails, and a lively speakeasy vibe inspired by 1920s Prohibition.
Mourne Seafood Bar
0.5 km
Fresh, locally sourced seafood served in a lively, rustic setting in Belfast’s city centre with a welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Art Loves at The Merchant
0.3 km
Discover a curated emporium of art-led gifts and homewares within Belfast’s iconic Merchant Hotel, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.
Forsight Belfast
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage fashion while supporting vital services for the visually impaired at ForSight Belfast’s charity shop.
Fuzz Vintage
0.3 km
Unearth timeless retro treasures at Fuzz Vintage, where Belfast's Rosemary Street hides eclectic clothing from decades past in a shopper's paradise of sustainable style.
Petty Kingdom Vintage Clothing & Records
0.3 km
Discover curated vintage fashion and classic records in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at Petty Kingdom.
Top Gift
0.3 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local treasures at Top Gift, Belfast's charming gift shop offering an eclectic selection for every traveler.
Young Savage - Vintage Clothing, Records and Books
0.4 km
Discover Belfast’s vibrant vintage gem offering unique clothing, rare records, and curated books in a welcoming, multi-floor cultural haven.
The Name Shops - Belfast
0.4 km
Personalised baby gifts and children's clothing with on-demand embroidery in Belfast's premier shopping centre.
Carrolls Irish Gifts - Belfast
0.4 km
Discover authentic Irish treasures at Carrolls Irish Gifts in Belfast's bustling Castle Place—a shopper's haven for Claddagh rings, Aran knits, Guinness gear, and gourmet hampers evoking the Emerald Isle's timeless charm.
Søstrene Grene
0.4 km
Discover Scandinavian charm and creativity at Søstrene Grene Belfast, your cozy craft and home decor destination in the city center.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Discover Urban Outfitters Belfast on Ann Street — where cutting-edge fashion meets creative lifestyle in Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital.
Born and Bred
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Explore Born and Bred in Belfast for unique Irish gifts and souvenirs that capture the spirit of Northern Ireland.
White Stuff Belfast
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Discover stylish, sustainable fashion for all ages at White Stuff Belfast, where quality meets conscious design in the city centre.
The Holy Shop
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Belfast's cherished repository of rosaries, christening gifts, and spiritual treasures beside the city's mother church on historic Chapel Lane.
FatFace
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Alpine-inspired casual wear and outdoor lifestyle fashion in Belfast's premier shopping destination.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
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Create your own stuffed friend in an interactive workshop experience at Belfast's Victoria Square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Dark Horse
0.1 km
Quirky Cathedral Quarter pub with historic artifacts, poetic courtyard, Game of Thrones door, and superb drinks amid Belfast's cobbled charm.
The Black Box
0.2 km
Belfast's intimate arts hub: live music, comedy, theatre, and casual bar vibes in a historic townhouse setting.
39 Gordon Street
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Vibrant Cathedral Quarter cocktail bar pulsing with live music, craft drinks, and tasty tacos in Belfast's historic heart.
The Reporter. Bar
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A cozy, quirky, dog-friendly bar in Belfast with great bottled beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
The Spaniard
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A cozy, quirky pub in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, famed for its lively music, extensive rum selection, and intimate atmosphere.
Sunflower Public House
0.3 km
Belfast's authentic corner pub with Troubles-era charm, live music nightly, wood-fired pizzas, and a buzzing garden—where history meets hearty ales and eclectic vibes.
Bert's Jazz Bar
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Bert's Jazz Bar in Belfast, where live music, exceptional cocktails, and delectable cuisine create an unforgettable experience.
The National
0.3 km
Victorian grandeur meets modern Belfast buzz in this multi-bar haven for all-day eats, drinks, and live tunes on lively High Street.
Monico Bars
0.3 km
Classic Belfast pub on Lombard Street pouring pints, serving stews, and screening sports in a lively city-center haven.
Ulster Sports Club
0.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of Ulster Sports Club, Belfast's top sports bar, offering delicious food, live music, and an electric ambiance.
Henry's
0.4 km
A lively Belfast pub and restaurant blending historic charm with modern dining, live music, and a vibrant social scene.
The Jailhouse
0.4 km
Historic Belfast pub blending vintage charm with lively cocktails and hearty fare in a character-filled setting at Joy’s Entry.
Maddens
0.5 km
Discover the authentic charm of Maddens, a traditional Irish pub in Belfast known for its welcoming atmosphere and delightful local brews.
The Tipsy Bird
0.5 km
Experience Belfast's vibrant nightlife at The Tipsy Bird, where creative cocktails meet a cozy atmosphere, perfect for every traveler seeking fun.
Bittles Bar
0.5 km
Discover Belfast’s iconic flatiron-shaped pub, Bittles Bar, where rich Irish culture, history, and a curated whiskey selection blend in a cozy, historic setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Craics Ninety
0.1 km
A compact, high‑energy clubnight in Belfast’s Common Market that celebrates 1990s music with DJs, themed entertainment and a pulsing dance atmosphere.
Club Lux
0.2 km
Dive into Belfast's vibrant nightlife at Club Lux, the ultimate disco club and bar experience with electrifying music and great company.
Kremlin
0.2 km
Belfast's beating heart of gay nightlife: dance floors ablaze, cocktails flowing, and community vibes till dawn on Donegall Street.
Boombox Belfast
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A lively and inclusive gay nightclub in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, renowned for drag shows, DJ nights, and a welcoming queer atmosphere.
Ollie's Belfast
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A compact, late-night nightclub beneath The Merchant Hotel — brick-vaulted interiors, VIP booths and a focused dancefloor for weekend clubbing.
Shoe Factory
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Experience the lively and inclusive nightlife at Shoe Factory, Belfast's top gay nightclub, where music, dance, and celebration come together.
Anthology Ni
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A high-energy Belfast nightclub within the Kremlin complex, known for DJ nights, themed performances and lively late‑hour clubbing.
The Art Department
0.3 km
Experience the electrifying nightlife at The Art Department, Belfast's ultimate dance club with an artistic twist.
Voodoo
0.5 km
Experience the electric atmosphere of Voodoo, Belfast's top night club, featuring live music, great drinks, and an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Cabaret Supper Club
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Cabaret Supper Club, where exquisite dining meets captivating performances for an unforgettable experience.
Thompsons Garage
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Thompsons Garage, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await every night.
Alibi
1.6 km
Energetic R&B nightclub with guest DJs, cocktails, and a lively terrace in Belfast’s vibrant Queen’s Quarter.
Scratch Nightclub
1.7 km
Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Scratch Nightclub, where diverse music and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable late-night memories.
Club Honey
2.4 km
Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Club Honey, where energetic music and lively crowds create unforgettable nights on Falls Road.
Saturday Night Nightclub
14.2 km
Experience the vibrant pulse of Newtownards nightlife at Saturday Night Nightclub, where music, dancing, and social energy come alive.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
